Many churches and community agencies can help with needed baby items.  Your counselor or Pregnancy Resource Center can connect you with parenting classes and other resources, including public assistance for medical and financial needs. Read More about Where can I live with my baby? »

Many churches and community agencies can help with needed baby items.  Your counselor or Pregnancy Resource Center can connect you with parenting classes and other resources, including public assistance for medical and financial needs. Read More about Can anyone help me with the baby items? »

The birthfather’s legal responsibilities include providing financial support for your child.  Most states have a child support enforcement agency which will withhold money from his paycheck if he is unwilling to pay.  Your child is entitled to financial support.  If, however, you cannot get child support, you must plan how you will care for your... Read More about How do I get support from the birthfather? »

A birthfather does have rights in most states and jurisdictions.  In some states, the birthfather’s name is not even on the birth certificate unless you want it to be.  If he has signed a notarized paternity affidavit, he has legal rights, including visitation and the right to deny or consent to medical decisions for your... Read More about What rights does the father have? »

If you are receiving assistance, you may be eligible for programs which help with job training, tuition, and childcare.  Otherwise, you must rely on educational grants and loans and work to cover living expenses and childcare.  Parenting often means altering your goals and plans.  With determination and job training, you can earn security for you... Read More about I don’t want to be on welfare. Can I get job training? »

The birthfather’s legal responsibilities include providing financial support for your child.  Most states have a child support enforcement agency which will withhold money from his paycheck if he is unwilling to pay.  Your child is entitled to financial support.  If, however, you cannot get child support, you must plan how you will care for your... Read More about Can I be forced to quit school? »

Parenting may limit your dating.  When you choose to parent, your child’s needs will demand most of your attention. Some people you date may not want to take second place to a child.  Other people will not mind that you’re parenting.  Before getting into a serious relationship, consider the effect on your child.  Try to... Read More about How will single parenting affect my dating? »

Not having a father present may be hard for a child to understand.  Explain that because of complicated circumstances, he is unable to be part of your family.  Talk as positively about the other parent as you can without being dishonest.  Even if you don’t like him, he is someone special to your child.  Having... Read More about How do I explain to my child why there is no father in our home? »

State laws vary about grandparents’ custody and visitation rights.  By law, birthparents are the only ones who have rights and responsibilities toward the child.  Grandparents, however, are important people in your child’s life and history.  They can be very helpful to you and your baby. Appreciate their help as a temporary solution.  It is important... Read More about What rights do grandparents have? »

If single parenting becomes too difficult, you may consider adoption.  It takes courage to realize that by yourself you cannot provide all that your child needs.  A trusted and wise counselor can help you and your child through this process.  Look for an agency that can help you continue parenting and, if you decide it’s... Read More about Can I still choose adoption later if parenting doesn’t work out? »